I really do feel your pain!
I'm 23 and half way through my degree, I work part time at John Lewis, four evenings a week... My boyfriend works full time, but only earns £15k a year. Living is... tough.
But, when you know you want something, you find a way of making it work.
I've been saving for this holiday for years. For us and for our nieces who we're also taking, this really is a once in a lifetime holiday - after this, we need to start doing all those 'grown up' things like saving for a mortgage, weddings etc.
But, we see it as a sort of investment (Not just in our sanity! We need a holiday!) in our family. We're really close to our nieces, and we play a big role in their lives and raising them... this is all about creating memories that will last a life time - I personally think that's worth way more than the odd meal out or a couple of glasses of wine every night.
It is possible - but for us, and perhaps for you too, it's not something we could have just decided to do spur of the moment and be able to get the money together just like that.
I opened a savings account with my bank, and set up a standing order to transfer £X every month, and then at the end of the month, I'd transfer what ever I had left too.... My boyfriend did the same. We have money pots that we pop money into when ever we have a £2 coin or a 50p piece - it soon adds up and we take it to the bank every couple of months. It feels amazing seeing your savings add up!
Plus, whilst you're saving, you have so much to plan and look forward to - even if it is years away... You can start looking at restaurants, shows, whether you want to do a dolphin swim, or go on a hot air balloon ride - you will love the planning almost as much as the holiday, and it will make you want to make those little sacrifices!
Honestly? It still terrifies me that our holiday is going to cost us the best part of £10k once we factor in spending money, car hire and other park tickets. But... it will all be worth it, it's our dream after all!
Happy saving! It will be worth it in the end
xxxxx